It's a city in crisis – but with potential for a big comeback. Despite an ailing auto industry and the highest jobless rate in the nation, Detroiters are determined to make their hometown thrive once again. For the next year, CNNMoney will focus on that challenge.

Bruce Kafarski took over Chemical Processing from his dad, who started the business in 1950. It moved into the Packard Plant in 1958, two years after auto production shut down. At its peak four decades ago, the industrial finishing company had almost 90 employees working three shifts. Now it has a staff of 10.